Maryland Senate votes unanimously to end parental rights of rapists

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - (AP) -- The Maryland Senate has voted unanimously to end parental rights of rapists over children conceived through rape.

The 45-0 vote on Tuesday sends the bill to the House, where a similar measure is pending. Both chambers have made the bill a priority this session after it failed to pass for nearly a decade.

The measure is crafted as an emergency bill, so it would take effect immediately with the signature of Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, who has expressed support.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, about 45 states and the District of Columbia limit parental rights of rapists. Approximately 30 allow or require the complete termination of rights; the other states and the District of Columbia deny or restrict some aspect, such as custody or visitation.